Friday, July 18, 2014

A New Protocol

Bold adj. showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.
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On July 5th I wrote a note to myself saying,

TODAY I WILL:
> Lay aside the sin which so easily entangles (Heb. 12:1)
> Acknowledge God in all my ways (Prov. 3:6)
> Remember that God has, through Jesus, torn the veil and I can enter in boldness before Him (Heb. 10:19-23)  

I was reading a letter recently where a missionary was sharing how she thinks Satan must snicker under his breath as we believers softly tap our swords about.  Ephesians 6 encourages us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might; to "take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  His word is rich with promises and truths for us to hold to...a powerful and living sword (Heb. 4:12) that we can wield BOLDLY.   

Proverbs 25:6,7 tells us to "not exalt yourself in the presence of the King, and do not stand in the place of the great; for it is better that he say to you, "come up here," than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince." 

It was a huge (and potentially life-threatening) risk at the time to come before a King without the proper protocol, and this was a reminder to remember your place and not give those in authority a reason to humble you in front of others.   We deserve to be placed in the lowest position before God...who are we in comparison?  Yet God has called us to come before Him, and to come with BOLDNESS.  

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb. 4:16)

There is often a feeling of risk involved when stepping out in faith and trusting God to be all He says He is.  But let's be confident and courageous with the promises He's given us.  

"Having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus...let us draw near...in full assurance of faith." (Heb. 10:19,22)